JT Palooza: Special benefit Saturday, Sept. 8 in Mermaid courtyard for local family

September 6, 2012

Set up as a way to pay tribute, as well as a way to help his family, beach friends have banded together to host JT Palooza Saturday, Sept. 8, from noon to 6 p.m., in the courtyard of The Mermaid Lounge, 1204 Estero Blvd.

"Thomas, a manager, bartender and server at Nemo's on the Beach, recently lost his 17-year-old brother, John Thomas Simpson, in a fatal car crash Aug. 7. He was only 17 years old," said Jen Loveland, assistant coordinator of the event, close friend of Thomas and fellow island resident. "Obviously at such a young age, he didn't have life insurance, so we're holding JT Palooza to help his family through this horrible time, and to help with his final bills."

During the six-hour fund-raiser, Jen and lead benefit coordinator, Ashley Galassi, are proud to boast a wide array of raffles and prizes available to win throughout the event, an enormous pig roast buffet large enough to easily fill 150 to 200 guests' stomachs, and a full schedule of live music, all from dedicated, local musicians, who have all donated their time for the cause.

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A benefit will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, from noon to 6 p.m. to help the family of 17-year-old John Thomas Simpson, who recently passed away in a fatal car accident.

A benefit will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, from noon to 6 p.m. to help the family of 17-year-old John Thomas Simpson, who recently passed away in a fatal car accident.

A benefit will be held Saturday, Sept. 8, from noon to 6 p.m. to help the family of 17-year-old John Thomas Simpson, who recently passed away in a fatal car accident.

"I am so thrilled the community of Fort Myers Beach has come together to help us with this benefit," Jen said. "So many wonderful businesses and residents have donated their time, money and gifts for JT's cause, and we are humbled."

The complete line-up of music that day is as follows:

Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Steve Farst.

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2 to 3:30 p.m.: 10,000 Views.

4 to 5:30 p.m.: Cris Casdia from the New Vinyls.

Between sets, DJ Craig will be playing hits from the rooftop of The Mermaid.

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The complete line-up of music that day is as follows:

Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Steve Farst.

2 to 3:30 p.m.: 10,000 Views.

4 to 5:30 p.m.: Cris Casdia from the New Vinyls.

Between sets, DJ Craig will be playing hits from the rooftop of The Mermaid.

All of the food is available for a suggested donation, and alcohol may be purchased from The Mermaid during the courtyard, beach-side benefit.

"Everyone really pulled together, and because of that, it's going to be a phenomenal benefit," Jen said. "I really want to thank the community of Fort Myers Beach for coming together, along with our sponsors of the event, including Charley's Boathouse, The Fish House, Nervous Nellie's, Nemo's, Fort Myers Beach Golf Club, Pincher's Crab Shack, The Beached Whale, Shep's Subs, The Beacon Lodge, The Pierview Hotel and Suites, Adventures Water Sports, Paradise Parasail, Fort Myers Beach Subway, The Silver Sands Resort, Smokin Oyster Brewery, Capt. Dave's Party Barge, Joni's Art Gallery, Paradise Tropical Wines, The Mermaid Lounge for graciously lending their courtyard for the cause, and all of the musicians. Please come down Saturday to celebrate the life of a wonderful young man, and help his family get through this tough, tough time."